Primetime Pilot Panic: 3rd Hot List Update

2ND UPDATE FRIDAY: Another NBC comedy frontrunner, 1600 PENN, has been given permission to begin making staffing offers, moving it closer to a series pickup.

UPDATE THURSDAY PM: I hear Greg Daniels’ comedy pilot FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER also has been given permission to start making staffing offers. But I’ve learned that those offers are backed by Daniels’ veteran NBC series The Office, meaning that the writer-producers signed for FND would segue to The Office if the pilot doesn’t go.

PREVIOUS 11 AM THURSDAY: About halfway through the broadcast networks’ screenings this week, it doesn’t look like there have been major surprises, with most early frontrunners solidifying their positions. NBC, which is looking to launch a number of series in August, right after the end of its coverage of the Summer Olympics, has been moving the fastest, picking up the first pilot to series, the Matthew Perry-starring single-camera comedy Go On, and giving several others permission to make staffing offers. In addition to single-camera comedies THE NEW NORMAL and SAVE ME, I hear also allowed to begin a hiring process are the Jimmy Fallon-produced multi-camera comedy GUYS WITH KIDS and J.J. Abrams/Eric Kripke’s action drama REVOLUTION, which had been very quiet after a late start. We might see more series pickups today as there is a rumor this morning that the network may order as many as three new series before the day is over. (UPDATE: That rumor turned out to be bogus, no NBC series pickups today.) Also going strong on the comedy side at NBC is White House single-camera family comedy 1600 PENN as well as Greg Daniels’ FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER despite middling testing. Single-camera ANIMAL KINGDOM is still in contention along with several multi-camera comedies, though it seems like NBC brass have somewhat cooled off on the format: the UNTITLED KARI LIZER, DADDY’s GIRLS, which has been gaining momentum, and, to some extent, DOWNWARDLY MOBILE. Meanwhile, SARAH SILVERMAN is a very long shot. Drama-wise, medical drama COUNTY appears to be a strong contender, along with another medical drama, the Jekyll and Hyde-esque DO NO HARM, though it is not clear if NBC would pick up two medical shows. The Dick Wolf-produced CHICAGO FIRE is strong, and its pickup may factor into Wolf’s ongoing renewal negotiations with NBC for Law & Order: SVU. The Western-flavored FRONTIER still has supporters despite mixed testing results, while last-minute pickup NOTORIOUS is quickly becoming a contender.

The UNTITLED MINDY KALING comedy pilot continues its march towards Fox‘s schedule as a potential companion to New Girl. Late bloomer NED FOX IS MY MANNY also appears likely to snag a series order, along with the Steve Levitan-produced REBOUNDING. Several other Fox comedy pilots are fighting for a spot: the network’s other two adult sibling comedies besides Ned Fox, LITTLE BROTHER and GOODWIN GAMES, as well as EL JEFE and PRODIGY/BULLY. On the drama side, the Kevin Bacon-starring UNTITLED KEVIN WILLIAMSON project continues to look as a sure thing, despite some concerns over its violence, ahead of its network screening. The UNTITLED BERMAN/WRIGHT mob doctor drama followed its great testing with a strong screening to solidify its chances, with the UNTITLED KARYN USHER teen spy drama and the Cuba Gooding Jr.-starring legal drama GUILTY also very much in contention, while THE ASSET is fading.

Marc Cherry’s DEVIOUS MAIDS was recently given permission to make senior writing staff offers ahead of its official screening, which bodes well for the dramedy. (UPDATE: The pilot’s screening was just so-so.) AMERICANA also is strong following its screening, as most ABC drama pilots are still in contention. Sudser-wise, that includes NASHVILLE ahead of its screening (UPDATE: it screened very well) and to some extent PENOZA. On the testosterone side, slow starter, the UNTITLED ROLAND EMMERICH action drama continues to improve its chances, with the Shawn Ryan-produced LAST RESORT solid. The fantasy/genre race among GOTHAM, 666 PARK AVE and BEAUTY & THE BEAST to join freshman breakout Once Upon A Time is still too close to call. Buzz on Gotham has been solid, reaction to 666 has been more mixed but it features a cast of signature ABC stars like Terry O’Quinn and Vanessa Williams. Meanwhile, there have been some issues on BEAUTY & THE BEAST but its deep Disney roots and the fact that, like Once and unlike Gotham and 666, it is owned by ABC is making it a strong contender for a pickup. Period soap GILDED LILYS has cooled off after a lackluster screening, with SCRUPLES still soft. On the comedy side, there are no major standouts. The Reba McEntire starrer MALIBU COUNTRY is solid, with UNTITLED MANDY MOORE and UNTITLED DAN FOGELMAN gaining momentum, and AMERICAN JUDY, HOW TO LIVE WITH YOUR PARENTS, ONLY FOOLS & HORSES, RED VAN MAN and PRAIRIE DOGS all in contention. It is still early on the UNTITLED KARI LIZER, which had a solid taping, while feedback on AWESOMETOWN has been mixed.

CBS‘ Sherlock Holmes reboot ELEMENTARY continues to look like a lock for fall, along with the star-studded RALPH LAMB, which has not been seen by many yet. The Jerry Bruckheimer-produced TROOPER has been rising, especially with speculation that CBS may cancel one of the CSI spinoffs (the odds are on the more expensive Miami at the moment), so a Trooper pickup would keep the number of Bruckheimer series on the network intact. The uber-producer will have an opportunity to pitch both the pilot and the bubble CSI shows as I hear he will be hosting CBS chief Leslie Moonves at the Kentucky Derby this weekend. Several other drama pilots are in contention. APPLEBAUM has been received well, with WIDOW DETECTIVE, which tested well, and GOLDEN BOY in the mix. On the comedy side, Max Mutchnick and David Kohan’s PARTNERS is strong, as is the NICK STOLLER comedy, with the BERLANTI/MALINS quietly gaining momentum. The MARTIN LAWRENCE comedy was a very late order and has not been seen yet but early buzz has been positive.

No major changes in the standings at the CW with six of the network’s eight pilots still in serious consideration as the CW could pick up as many as 5-6 new series and be creative with scheduling, spreading them out throughout the season in cable fashion. The list of frontrunners continues to be topped by ARROW and THE CARRIE DIARIES, with BEAUTY & THE BEAST, FIRST CUT and CULT strong and the Hunger Games-esque THE SELECTION also in contention.

105 Comments

The Martin Lawrence pilot is easily the funniest of anything CBS has set up.

Matt • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

What about Bad Girls?

just my two cents • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

The CW should pick up as many pilots as possible. Most of their current programs are either bad or way past their prime (if they were ever good to begin with). They should cancel a few of those shows i.e. Gossip Girl,90210 & have a fresh approach with some these new pilots. Definitely like the idea of running the shows in a cable type of fashion. Hopefully CW improves eventually. Looking forward to the Kristin Kreuk program. Nellie,appreciate the updates.Keep them coming.

The CW is going to be what the CW already is. They made the mistake of targeting a youthful demographic that doesn’t watch TV in the same manner that young people used to.

marc • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

Viva Revolution! Kripke and Favreau nailed it.

mcteer • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

Interesting. What’s that based on? Have you actually seen the pilot? I’m very curious. Can anyone who’s seen it weigh in?

Oscar • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

That post above you is a shill. The pilot has lots of problem which they are fixing in the typical JJ way: theft of movie ideas which will peter out around episode 7.

portia fan • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

any buzz on The Smart One?

Vivian • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

So Joey Dakota and Shelter have no chance at the CW. The other pilots sound like crap as well. The network should just be cancelled.

u aint fooling nobody • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

Shelter sounds like a coma waiting to happen. The only person outraged over it getting passed over, works for that dud pilot. Guarantee it. Everyone else breaths a sigh of relief.

Vivian • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

How can anyone be outraged when there is literally no buzz for it? It’s like it doesn’t exist.

jack • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

Yes, Im so glad Shelter and Joey Dakota wont stand a chance.
Both of those pilots sounds lame.

Vivian • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

The Carrie Diaries sounds just as lame.

Jack • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

Too bad for you Vivian, your constant whining about these 2 shows have no impact on anyone. Theyre not even being considered and this late into the pilot season if its not even mentioned here or THR, its pretty much gone.
Carrie Diaries is one of the 2 shows that is a sure hit and a lock on for pick ups.
So too bad you had lousy taste.

Vivian • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

Constant whining? I’m not even remotely interested in Joey Dakota or Shelter. I’m stating the obvious. They never had a chance at being picked up. How does that equate to me whining? What is this logic? Someone is projecting. You sure seem defensive over anyone who bashes the Carrie Diaries. Take a seat.

Vivian • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

You and “Sam” are totally the same person by the way…

Jack • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

Who the f@#% is “sam” Oh please Ive seen you whining all the time about Joey Dakota and Shelter. Its not that both of these shows were given a chance. They just weren’t good enough. Up untill recently First Cut was never in the running, but they obviously had a good script and great actors. If Shelter and Joey Dakota had a better script or actors, they wouldve been mentioned.

Vivian • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

Honey ,you have me confused with someone else. Saying a show has no chance at making the cut is not whining about it. And every time someone talks crap about The Carrie Diaries you get angry. And you are “Sam”. It’s obvious. You’re not subtle at all so stop trying.

I’m surprised to hear you say the Untitled Mandy Moore project at ABC has gotten a mixed reception. I’ve heard very, very good things.

What’s gonig on with The Smart One, the Malin Ackerman/ Portia DeRossi pilot at ABC being produced by Ellen DeGeneres? I’ve heard zero buzz on it either way, and it seems SO promising.

chris • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

I’m surprised too about The Smart One. Great cast. I really want to see this.

Dee • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

Is SMART ONE @ ABC dead or something? It hasn’t been mentioned in any of your updates, and it had one of the biggest and best casts – and a solid script – going into upfronts…

albaniantv • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

Why can’t we just have the Brits original Friday Night Dinner–it’s truly funny.

e • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

Agreed. It’s truly funny & touching.

Philly Sireen • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

Finally an update on the Martin Lawrence project. He’s still a big box office draw and the taping was very funny. Also, it’s clear what the show is… that’s not something all the competition can say. Have to think this has a good shot.

Wolf • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

Im disappointed in the lack of status for Beautiful People, Zero Hour, Bad Girls, Joey Dakota and Shelter. Are any of these shows getting any positive buzz?

scifi_fan • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

Heard negative things about Beautiful People and Zero Hour. For all of them I think this is a case of no news is bad news. I wanted to see Beautiful People personally…

e • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

Dang. That’s disappointing. I had real high hopes for “BP” (not the oil co).

Packard4881 • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

I’m surprised you’re not talking much about the John Wells’ “Bad Girls” pilot. Got an update for us?

Bad Girls Fan • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

Wells just turned in his cut of “Bad Girls” late Thursday, so NBC in only just now getting a look at it.

T'Rank • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

I really do wonder why NBC has “somewhat cooled” on multi-camera, though it’s obvious they have. WHITNEY wasn’t a hit (though it deserves renewal) and because they try one multi-cam and it’s not a breakout hit, they continue to stick with single-cam? As NEW GIRL proves, single-cam sitcoms can’t sustain their viewerships unless they have a mock-documentary format to let the viewers know it’s a comedy (or a laugh track a la M*A*S*H). Networks really are obsessed with the single-cam format to a bizarre extent, but it’s especially bizarre at NBC. (And a little bizarre at Fox.)

amelia k • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

REBA!

Jake • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

Amen to that!

Whatchoo'Talkin'bout? • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

There was only one single laugh to be found in Friday Night Dinner, that and the “middling testing” should make it a lock for NBC.

A person • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

I saw it and laughed throughout. Nice try, though.

Whatchoo'Talkin'bout? • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

I only read it. It was not funny. Maybe the final product is. However, reports of “middling testing,” implies others have seen it and didn’t laugh throughout.

Also, as I predicted, NBC appears to be going forward with it.

A person • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

Ah, yes, testing. Years ago, didn’t Emeril test well and Seinfeld test horribly? That last one could be an urban myth.

Mark • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

Karyn Usher pilot will be a big hit with those 3 cast members perfect for Fox.

Yt • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

A lot of action and a lot like Alias. I’m in .

MSP • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

Dying to see Becki Newton on tv again– rooting for Goodwin Games.

Betty Flora • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

Me also. “Let the Games Begin” THE GOODWIN GAMES…That is…rooting for u-2

TedM • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

CW should pick up Arrow and Beauty & the Beast.They have the strongest scripts and casts of all.

belly button wonton soup • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

On the script side I wouldn’t put Arrow up there. It was slick… but that’s about it.

e • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

But it has Colin Salmon. Gorgeous. Incredible acting. Class. I’m watching for him alone.

Jake • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

Fingers crossed for Malibu Country and How To Live With Your Parents!

scifi_fan • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

No TNT update? I’m worried about LA Noir. But there have been casting announcements earlier this week – good sign?

Burning Bridges • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

Frontier belongs on SyFy, where it will be immediately cancelled.

Oliver • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

NBC are fools if they pick up Save Me. It has flop written all over it. The concept is too alienating to attract a broad audience even if it’s a great show.

Jamie • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

What about CW’s Shelter?

Surely that has some chance.

Jack • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

Nopes. No chance at all. Thank God.

SP • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

What about Next Caller on NBC? Any word???

Parker • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

NBC should really reconsider their stance on the multi-camera format. While New Normal, 1600 Penn and to some extent Go On sound mass appealing, Animal Kingdom & Friday Night Dinner seem like the same old crop of NBCs now stale comedy lineup.

Downwardly Mobile & Daddy’s Girls may not be on-brand, but Kari Lizer has an amazing tone and voice to her writing.

Honestly... • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

NO ONE LIKES MULTI-CAM!!! NO-BODY!!! Yes the ratings are high for the CBS crap but once the younger generation gets older, there will be NO AUDIENCE for it anymore!!! Why do you think the other big networks aren’t really trying to do Multi-cam???

NBC comedies are still the best network comedies out there (besides Modern Family & Raising Hope)
I would actually argue that their current crop are as good as a thursday night in terms of content as it was back in the “Friends” & “Seinfield” era… those shows did not have to compete against cable.

Whatchoo'Talkin'bout? • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

You’re funny. The top rated sitcoms are Multi-Cam.

Furthermore, the younger generation you speak of are being groomed by guess what? Mult-cams. Big hits on Disney and Nick. Honestly, Honestly.

T'rank • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

Ah, yes, blame “competing against cable” for NBC but not for CBS.

Multi-cams actually are more popular with the younger generation, not just the kids’ shows, but reruns of FRIENDS and SEINFELD and BIG BANG THEORY which destroy single-cam in The Demo. It’s not the younger generation that gave up on multi-cam; it’s Hollywood producers and execs in their 30s who think multi-cam is “outdated.” It’s not, and there’s no substitute for actually testing jokes in front of an audience to find out if they’re actually funny.

Jake • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

Couldn’t be further from the truth. I’m smack dab in the 18-34 demo, and I dig multi-cam. Not being contrary. It’s just a fact.

Mike • on May 4, 2012 5:15 pm

Or maybe it’s just you. Kids have been watching multicamera comedies on Disney for years. They’re quite used to them.